Guillem (2000)

Portrait of the world-acclaimed French dancer Sylvie Guillem, who was named Prima Ballerina at only 19. In 1981, Sylvie Guillem was hired in the corps de Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris, and two years later, at 18, she won the gold medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition. Her performance as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake convinced Rudolf Noureev to name her Prima Ballerina, and she became the youngest dancer to receive the prestigious title at the Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris. She decided to leave the Opéra de Paris in 1989 to focus on her international career. She worked with the greatest choreographers, allowing her to be awarded with many prizes and titles such as the Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, awarded by Queen Elisabeth II. Sylvie Guillem is currently guest soloist at the Royal Ballet, London. This documentary includes rehearsals, the preparation before stepping onto the stage, and key moments in the career of the dancer.